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Monday, July 30, 2012

Ok, I realize the name of this dessert is not very nice, but these naughty brownies have been all over the internet, so I couldn't resist giving them a try. They became even more famous back in March when Jessica Simpson announced on the Tonight Show that she was craving these brownies during her pregnancy.

Cookie dough base, oreo cookie layer, topped with chocolate brownie goodness. Talk about sweet!
I don't even want to think about how many calories are in one of these little treats, but boy are they good.
Top them with some vanilla ice cream and hot fudge to really put them over the edge!

Slutty Brownies

Brownie layer:

10 tbsp unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups white sugar

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup flour

Oreo layer:

1 package of Oreos (regular stuffed or double stuffed)

Cookie Dough layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temp)

1/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Brownie layer:

In a medium sauce pan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the sugar and cocoa powder once the butter is melted. Whisk to combine and remove from heat. Add the salt, vanilla and eggs and continuously whisk until the eggs are combined. Add the flour and continue to mix. Set batter aside.

For the Cookie Dough layer:

Cream together the butter and sugars in a mixer. Add the eggs and vanilla, making sure to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix on low until everything is incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips. Set dough aside.

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.

Line the bottom of a 9x9 baking pan with tin foil and then spray the tin foil with a layer of baking spray.

Layer the cookie dough on the bottom of a 9x9 baking pan, pressing down to form the bottom of the brownies.

Layer as many oreos that will fit on top of the cookie dough. No need to overlap. One single layer will do.

Pour the brownie batter on top of the oreo layer and make sure it's evenly layered on top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes. Test with a knife to see if the center is done. If the knife comes out clean, let the brownies rest before serving. If the knife comes out with batter still on it, allow the brownies to bake about 5 minutes more. Serve with ice cream :)

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Summer Garden Pasta is my go-to dinner at least once a week during the months of July and August when my fridge is full of fresh veggies from my parents beautiful garden. It is quick and easy and oh so tasty!
Pair it with a french loaf of bread and a glass of wine for the perfect summer meal out on the deck.

Summer Garden Pasta

1/2 box Barilla Plus Penne Pasta, cooked al dente

1 Zucchini, sliced and then halved

1 cup halved grape tomatoes

1/2 cup sliced carrots

1 small onion, diced

1 cup corn, cut off of the cob

1 small green pepper, diced

1 T olive oil

fresh rosemary

sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Cook pasta until done; set aside.

Toss all of the vegetables and herbs with olive oil. Spread them out on a baking sheet covered with foil.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Whenever I am traveling and I see a Sonic Drive-In you can bet that I am making a quick pit stop for one of my favorite Sonic drinks! We don't have a Sonic in our town, so it always makes me soooo happy when I am driving down the road and I spot one :)

My fave is the Diet Lime Limeade.
So, so good.

I found a DIY Sonic Chocolate Cream Diet Coke on Pinterest, and I just had to make one because Sonic drinks rock and I love, love, love Diet Coke.

Chocolate Cream Diet Coke taste like a Coke ice cream float but without the guilt :)
Want to make one with me?

Here's what you need.
Diet Coke, chocolate syrup and heavy cream or half and half.
Plus a cute mason jar and some crushed ice.
Oh and a tiny little whisk :)

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Now that fresh berries are so plentiful I love bringing my own fruit and yogurt parfaits to work with me.
Vanilla Greek yogurt, organic blueberries, raspberries and blackberries sprinkled with organic granola.
Try to get that at McDonalds!!

Layer all that goodness in a cute little mason jar and you have a perfect mid-morning snack or breakfast on the go!

Friday, July 6, 2012

During the summer months family, friends and neighbors are always stopping by to hang out with us at our pool. The more the merrier - we love company!

I try to have some snacks on hand, because let's face it, laying by the pool is hard work and you build up an appetite :) So I was happy to find these new Pillsbury Baguette Chips on my door step recently.

I love it when the mailman brings yummy goodies for us to try!

My sister-in-law and I dipped the Cheddar Sundried Tomato chips into roasted red pepper hummus. The crunchiness of the baguette chip was a perfect match for the dip. They would be great as a soup or salad topping too.

With 130 calories per serving (21 baguette chips), and 50% less fat than regular potato chips, Pillsbury Baguette Chips are delicious snack chips that you can feel good about eating!

Want to give them a try?

Click HERE for a .75 cent coupon or check out the details below to win your own sample pack.

One of my readers will win a sample pack that includes:

(3) Bags of Pillsbury Baguette Chips in Italian Cheese & Herb

(3) Bags of Pillsbury Baguette Chips in Cheddar Sundried Tomato

Giveaway ends Tuesday, July 10th at 12:00 p.m. EST

Giveaway open to US Residents only.

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to spice up your snacking routine.

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